Bangladesh vs New Zealand, 2nd ODI at Dhaka, , Oct 08 2010 - Ball by Ball Commentary

Apologies for the lack of action, we can only hope for better conditions in the next few days. In the meantime, we hope you all take care, and please join us at 9.00am local time on Monday for our live coverage of the 3rd ODI. On behalf of Sanjay Murari on scoring duties and the rest of the staff here at ESPNcricinfo, this is Avi Singh signing off. Goodbye!

Very disappointing events here in Mirpur, particularly so for the New Zealanders who would have been eager to get back onto the field and compensate for their slightly lacklustre effort in the 1st ODI. They now find themselves effectively facing three sudden-death games, while Bangladesh find themselves one step closer to an ODI series victory against a full-strength Test side.

11.05am The match has been called off. Unfortunately it was deemed that the rain was unlikely to make way, and even if that was to happen it was unlikely that the ground would be able to dry in time.

11.00am The umpires have, rain notwithstanding, conducted their inspection but have not made any firm decisions as yet.

10.45am Persistent rain continuing to drench the stadium which sadly makes it highly unlikely that the inspection scheduled for 10 minutes' time will go ahead

10.40am Good news folks, inspection has been set for 10.55am provided the rain halts.

9.55am Our man at the ground Sohel Awrangzeb confirms the quality of the drainage system but unfortunately cannot see any sign of the rain relenting any time soon. Not looking flash folks, I'm afraid.

9.40am Still raining at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, so there will not be any inspection until the rain ceases. Frustrating for all concerned, particularly the New Zealanders. Coach Mark Greatbatch was seen talking to the groundstaff. Athar Ali Khan on air says the drainage system is good, so fingers crossed for enough time to at least get a 20-over game in.

Hello and welcome to ESPNcricinfo's live match coverage of the 2nd ODI between Bangladesh and New Zealand from Mirpur, the venue for all 5 matches in this series. I am Avi Singh and will be on commentary for the duration of today's game, Sanjay Murari on scoring duties. Unfortunately bad news as it is raining at the ground currently. Inspection is planned at 10am local time if it stops raining soon. No toss as yet. It has been raining non-stop in Dhaka for the last two days so the outlook is not promising at this stage, we can only hope for the weather to clear.

In the meantime, please do check out Nitin Sundar's preview to the game. New Zealand will want to ensure they get back on track today while Bangladesh will sense a rare chance to take a 2-0 lead against a Test match opponent in an ODI series.

When we do get underway the key battle (for both sides) will be how their batting line-ups counter the spinners. The New Zealanders in particular really struggled to rotate the strike in the 1st ODI, Brendon McCullum excepted. His use of the feet was in contrast to how the middle order were reluctant to come out of the crease. Bangladesh meanwhile continued their difficulties with the wily Daniel Vettori, while Nathan McCullum also had a good outing.

The tributes for VVS Laxman continue to flow after his exceptional innings that led India to victory from a hopeless position in Mohali. Harsha Bhogle: 'while the big cheques don't always appear, something else does: respect in his dressing room and in that of the opposition... respect never goes out of fashion; it is something all performers crave, and he has it in abundance.' Do have a look at his piece on VVS Laxman.

To brighten the gloom in the interim please amuse yourselves with Anand Ramachandran's take on the Indian fan who has sued the ICC for not receiving the Man of the Match award for the Mohali Test.